As I mentioned before I used *General Finishes Gel Stain in “Java”. Then using a lint free rag I removed the excess. See more ideas about Java gel, Gel stain, Java gel stains. Two coats might cover it fully. You can read more of our disclosure policy for additional information. Line a large bucket or trash can with plastic and keep it nearby. Here are some things we have done for this room already: We have many more to go but for now, we are updating the cabinets in the room above the garage “Game Room” aka Man Cave. I waited 24 hrs, then sanded (220 grit) very lightly to remove any raised grain or dried dust particles, wiped it down with a slightly damp rag before re-coating. Let’s talk about how to use gel stain over old cabinets. Gel stain is different than regular wood stain in that it is more like a paint. I am making sure to let it dry 24 hours at least between coats. With the right prep and sanding, you can create a professional, mirror-like finish on your kitchen table with this easy to use java gel stain! Stir the stain to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can. 2.5 years later we are finally getting to the kitchen cabinets. It's primarily used on wood, although it can be used on other surfaces, including fiberglass and metal. Use dropcloths, plastic, old sheets, etc….but make sure nothing is … The condition of the wood does not play as big of a role in the finished result of the gel stain – the knots in your knotty pines will look less pronounced when the job is done. I like to use the gel stain over the existing stain because you do not have to strip the original finishes. It had a LOT of moisture damage. – How Much Paint Do I Need? First of all, yes, your gel stain furniture (whether it’s gel stain kitchen cabinets, table top, or bookshelf) needs to have a top coat. And be sure to check out my general finishes gel stain tutorial to see my before and after photos of the gel stain kitchen cabinets! Have them all the same side and the same stage means less guessing. Gel stain with natural bristle brush, let dry for 24 hours, gel stain with natural bristle brush, let stand for a few days, go over with top coat 4 times with 24 hours between. In this video, Chris Adams of General Finishes shows you how to apply General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain and General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat to a walnut table leaf. ; Lint-Free Cloth Rags, Stain Applicator Pad, and/or Foam Brush Make sure you open up some windows or turn on a fan. THIS ONE IS THE MOST General finishes Java Gel Stain FAQs First, sand down the … Accordingly I was able to paint it on top of my IKEA piece without removing all of the polyurethane top-coat. How To Stain Banisters Dark With Java Gel STEP ONE: SET UP DROPCLOTHS AND PAINTERS TAPE. Gel stain is a go-to choice for DIYers because it delivers very uniform cover. To start your gel stain project, use mineral spirits or 50/50 watered down denatured alcohol to clean the areas you plan to stain. Unlike traditional oil-and-water-based stains, gel stain is very easy to apply by wiping it on with a brush versus having to rub it in like most stains. Take an old clean container to place some gel in and close the main jar up. You can read more of our disclosure policy for additional information. A little while back, we shared a cabinet that we turned 1990 honeylicious dated bathroom vanity to a more modern look with Java Stain. It is not absorbed by the wood but rather dries on top of the wood (or laminate in this case) to give an appearance of stain. When wiping off the gel stain, it is very difficult to get the stain out of any nooks or crannies that might exist on your project. We have used this easy to apply stain for several projects and are sharing our top 20 Java Gel stain tips. Gel stain will not require you to sand the product to a raw wood finish. Good luck!! Use a foam brush to apply the gel stain in the direction of the wood … This is only after one coat and a paint brush! BUT not kidding when I say it was ridiculously simple. We used, Make sure the cabinets are clean and dust-free (, If you have lots of cabinets, number them so you know where they go. Cabinet Painting Inside Drawer using Stain, DIY Paint Finishes – Copper Patina See What You Can Do With It, How I Repaired My Two Year Old Giani Countertop. General finishes gel stain tutorial using antique walnut gel stain to refinish kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities in our first flip! I have seen the best look comes when you apply a thin layer and then wipe of excess with a lint free rag. Kayla chefalo on June 16, 2019 at 1:36 am I’m planning on staining my 20 year old kitchen cabinets. 20 JAVA GEL STAIN TIPS *We use affiliate links and could earn from qualifying purchases. Open windows and doors, or use other means to maintain fresh air flow during application and drying. Actually, I pretty much hated it! So I sanded off the brown paint/stain. I only had to paint on one layer with this method of applying gel stain. I apply the stain with a foam brush and typically wipe it off immediately. To get a beautiful stained finish over a painted surface you will need GF Java gel stain. Start by taking the cabinets off the hinges and lightly sanding with 80 grit sandpaper.. Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account. DO NOT distribute or copy the content or share multiple images (including collage images) without written permission. I used a foam brush to apply a thick layer of the stain, then used staining pads to wipe it off. I love using the General Finishes Java Gel Stain! Oct 27, 2015 - Explore Christy Stone's board "Java gel", followed by 154 people on Pinterest. I only had to paint on one layer with this method of applying gel stain. Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life. You can paint over gel stain as long as the surface is free of peeling stain or varnish, and it is sanded and primed. Find your answer in General finishes Java Gel Stain FAQs. Some tutorials advice using java stain with an old sock and some say use the sponge paint brushes. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. Work in a well-ventilated area. Layering coats of gel stain (per manufacturer directions), will result in a more opaque finish that is darker and shows less of the woodgrain. If the stain pools, wipe up the excess with an extra foam applicator or a rag. In this video I’m using General Finishes Java Gel, because let’s face it, it’s the best color, by far the most popular and pretty much magic in a can. When gel stain has completely dried (I waited overnight) you are ready to apply General Finishes Gel Stain Top Coat. Oh and here’s a neat little infographic for applying gel stain top coat! Apply the gel stain, wait about 10 minutes and wipe to remove the extra stain. To apply the Gel Stain Top Coat you will need to use a new foam brush. Some people didn’t want to bother to bid the job. Because gel stain is so much thicker than traditional wood stains, it’s also very easy to apply. To apply the Gel Stain Top Coat you will need to use a new foam brush. Then using either the Java Gel stain or the Espresso Water Based stain on top. For questions contact us at salvagesista@gmail.com. For those working with Antique Walnut, immediate results can vary. For instance, when applying to a table, you may have difficulty getting the stain out of the junction where the legs or rails meet the tabletop. What Color Paint? Thank you to Lovely Crafty Home for paving the way! The great thing about using a gel stain is it will sit on a vertical surface without dripping. Hmm, not sure about the water rings. It can be applied over only lightly sanded pieces just as well. Some tutorials advise using java stain with an old sock and some say use sponge paintbrushes. STAIN SUPPLY TIPS. Java gel stain* HP Satin Topcoat* Synthetic brush* to apply poly (these are my favorite!) Do be sure to wear gloves because the stain will get all over your hands. *We use affiliate links and could earn from qualifying purchases. I have found that foam brushes are the best way to add java gel stain. My first coat, I was not loving AT ALL. It was actually 2 products! After lightly sanding the cabinets, take a mixture of equal parts mineral water and water to clean the cabinets.. She... 3. After you have applied your java gel stain it is always good to seal your stain! **Update 11-5-19: Curious to see how my doors are doing after one full year? Then seal it all with High Performance Top Coat. It was worth the investment. Gel stain is also used for faux finishing and glazing. I used Java Gel by General Finishes for the top of the buffet as well as the table top. Using this staining brush I am going to just let it drag on the surface. A long time ago, I had only one child and our kitchen table was a $5 garage sale find of laminate-tabled-and-golden-vinyl-chaired fabulousness. It turned out great!! Wearing thin gloves, like medical gloves, may help because if you get the stain on you, you will have it for a while. Your email address will not be published. I have used general finishes java gel stain. I just never realized you could also use it for outdoor/exterior applications. They are in good condition but I don’t like the color. We have tried both and a few more. Use a tack cloth to wipe away all the sanding dust from the surface. Java gel seemed to be the best way to get a stained look without having to do a ton of sanding or hire a professional. General finishes Java Gel Stain; General Finishes Gel Stain top coat in Satin; Package of foam brushes; Optional: Sandpaper; To get a beautiful stained finish over a painted surface you will need GF Java gel stain. Apply the gel stain with a foam brush or pad, then wipe the excess away after 30 seconds. It was such a bargain and a dramatic change, we have done several more projects and have now decided to use it on a full cabinet makeover. Depends on how dark they are, but it will cover somewhat. (I’ve linked them all at the bottom of this post in case you missed any of the series) Or you can use java gel stain like paint and just paint it on. Work in small sections as the stain gets tacky fairly quickly causing it to pull as you work. Not sure about how to use Java? How to Use Gel Stain. You use a little at a time and it will develop a skin on it if you have the whole container open. If desired, thin stain with mineral spirits. Hey friends! Gel stain is an easy-to-use product. It is more like hair gel consistency. I used it on cabinets that had been painted black and white. I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain. You may hear it called “java gel” or other names, but gel stains are made by several brands (including General Finishes and Minwax), and Java is only one of many, many of beautiful colors. Just see how it transformed these picture frames for a gallery wall. Slow and steady wins the race. See how I used an espresso-colored gel stain to make-over a set of picture frames for use on my home’s gallery wall: Learn How to Use Gel Stain. I would use it again on vanities like this to spruce them up. Don’t worry about covering every spot. Even if you think you are changing out the hardware, keep it. It’s especially nice to work with because of its consistency and coverage. Learn how your comment data is processed. The GF java gel stain saved us when we bought our mid-century home and wanted to update all the honey oak trim and doors. PIN THIS TO PINTEREST . Watch the video or read the original post for more detailed information. It does stick to some and not to others. First, be sure to stir the gel stain well. If you will have anything set on top of your stain (eventually), keep in mind the cure time..approx 30 days. A very small craft paintbrush comes in handy for doing the cabinet lines against a wall and/or little corners. I did my bathroom vanity and also put poly over it. I am doing a large kitchen table now with old masters rich mahogany gel stain using the wipe off method. If you prefer to paint your cabinets, you will want to check this out. (the color is off in these photos because I had the hall and stairway light on) You don’t even really have to worry about swirl marks, applications marks, etc, as you are applying it. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. It matches the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and will cover in two coats. ;) I updated it to reflect that. We stained the doors hanging, this made it much easier as we could finish both sides without having to wait for the opposite side to dry. Make sure ALL exposed areas such as: hardwood floors, carpet, in between spindles, etc…..are covered with something. It’s especially nice to work with because of its consistency and coverage. The thick, pudding-like product sits atop the surface and won’t drip. Isn’t that pretty? I might even use it on furniture that I want to make a java color. I chose to use a rub-on polyurethane to finish the chairs, because of its ease of application. Take a step back and look. From: Emily Fazio Photo by: Emily Fazio ©2016 Emily Fazio, 2016. Plus, if you can’t find new hardware to fit you can paint your old hardware. We did a lot of unnecessary flipping. Don’t be too critical. Salvage Sister & Mister is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. DIY Cabinet Antique Walnut Gel Staining. If you are applying it in layers, and not wiping away, you will want to apply it similarly to how you would apply a … Because gel stain has a long drying time (normally 12 hours, longer if it’s humid), you have to convince yourself to walk away. It is made to go with the gel stain and it gives a wet look even after it has dried! Gel Stain: I like Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain – here on Amazon; and/or General Finishes Java Gel Stain also on Amazon here Sanding pads : (optional) variable grits from 80 to 220. On the downside, gel stain is not available in as many color options as traditional stains. If you’re looking to stain cabinets the traditional way, check out this tutorial for staining wood cabinets. We are excited you are joining us on this journey to use our resources wisely. You can apply as many coats as you like. Less Expensive Shade Option for Large Window, First Time Furniture Painting and Lessons Learned. There are a few different ways to gel staining cabinets or any wood piece. It matches the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and will cover in two coats. Two coats is usually sufficient and depending on the coats, I may put a top coat on or not. They do not leave brush marks like a brush. I applied a generous amount of gel stain with a foam brush. The best feature about gel stain is that you can use it over raw wood or an existing finish. Stir the poly. Honestly, people don’t look at it with eagle eyes like you do when you are working with it. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. […] Reply. Gel stain is formulated more like paint than traditional stain. This project will take time. Not a huge difference in color, more in the oil vs. water based. Once the stain is completely dry, apply a gel stain top coat to lock in the color and protect the finish. So when I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain to refinish all the Oak portions of my staircase, I ended up with wayyy too much dark brown, and I hated it! You need to work in small areas. Using a shop cloth, rub the stain around to cover the whole small area, and wipe most of the stain away. You will need to lightly sand!!! You will think all is okay until you start that top coat and then you will see every missed spot. Creativity Art is Expression not Perfection, Stop Fingerprint Smudges On Dixie Belle Caviar Painted Furniture. Your email address will not be published. Using gel stain on my bathroom vanity in the past (you can read that tutorial here), I knew the product was very durable and super easy to work with. Didn’t strip them or anything and this product worked wonderfully going right over the paint. Start off by cleaning and sanding the surface. The beauty of gel stain is the material doesn’t matter. When gel stain has completely dried (I waited overnight) you are ready to apply General Finishes Gel Stain Top Coat. And that can make it tricky to get the exact look you want. For light cleaning, you will only need a lint-free cloth or shop cloths. This type of finish looks more like paint than stain. You might encounter two problems with using gel stains. In this process I’ll show you not only how to apply gel stain to finished wood, but more importantly how to give a faux wood finish to any surface. Let’s say we’re refinishing kitchen cabinets and have two identical doors. I LOVE this topcoat! You DO NOT want to rush the process and apply thicker coats. Here’s a quick run-down and recap of the steps shared here and in the video of how to use gel stain over an existing finish. Instructions 1. After I let the stain dry for several hours, I VERY lightly sanded the top again with a 400 grit paper and then applied an additional coat of stain. Gel stain is a very popular option for reviving wood pieces. One of the mistakes we made was applying one layer and flipping the cabinet doors over to start the other side. You can use their paint color called Prairie Sunset as a base color over the ultra Grip. Hi Judy! In my recent bathroom refresh, the one thing that needed major help was the vanity. We will let this dry overnight. In most cases, you won't need to strip away the existing finish, making it very convenient. It’s easy to get the look of a dark, rich stain on a painted piece of furniture as long as you know how to use gel stain as a faux finish. Reply. How to Apply General Finishes Gel Stain. Read on for the video transcript and a list of useful links. If you would like to learn more about how to use the gel stain over the existing stain, read my post here. If you enjoyed these 20 java gel stain tips, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Wish I had done it sooner! Because gel stain is thicker, it can be used for more creative applications too, like for painting a faux wood grain. I would not necessarily recommend this polyurethane, though. Keep all the hardware in a zip bag. How to use General Finishes Gel Stain over an existing finish, no stripper, no sanding to raw wood, just a nice new wood finish. To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. Gel stain is a very popular option for reviving wood pieces. My question is…why did you used that particular color (Glazed Pecan) for your base coat? Generally speaking, it is MUCH easier to use gel stain to achieve a darker wood color on a previously finished piece of wood than it is to get a lighter color. Or you can use java gel stain like paint and just paint it on. Like paint, gel stain coats the surface instead of penetrating it. With many stain options to choose from, we’re covering all the pros and cons of gel stain and how to use it. Use dropcloths, plastic, old sheets, etc….but make sure nothing is … It’s all about how to use gel stain today and bunches of past projects I’ve used it on! Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch-prone woods like birch, cherry, maple, and pine. Hope this helps! I’m continuing on the “back to basics” series that I’ve been working on and today it’s “How To Use Gel Stain“. Foam Brushes for the Gel Stain and Top Coat Dip the tip of the applicator into the stain (a little goes a long way) and work with the grain of the wood in long strokes. You can see the before and after of applying the java gel stain easily with this picture. --Applying Second Coat of Gel Topcoat: (8:20 - 11:40) Here is the table leaf with one coat of gel satin that has dried. You may hear it called “java gel” or other names, but gel stains are made by several brands (including General Finishes and Minwax), and Java … Learn how to use a gel stain to easily update cabinets without any heavy sanding or stripping with this step-by-step tutorial and video. The details were intricate and the quotes we got tosand and finish was astronomical. Do one side completely, before turning and doing the other side. The Mister preferred that. You can apply it with a natural bristle brush, foam brush or cotton rag (this last one being my favorite way). I have used it to refresh faded cabinets and the result is such a warm, fresh color! ft, so this was more than enough for my little 4×5 bathroom. The Before. The product is very thick and it works best if you use a very thin layer. One pint covers 100 sq. Gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, and even painted surfaces can be gel stained. I found the java gel stain and it changed the game! Required fields are marked *. Make sure ALL exposed areas such as: hardwood floors, carpet, in between spindles, etc…..are covered with something. So, here’s my honest review of gel stain. I know it looks like gel stain doesn’t need a finish coat but it does! Fusion Mineral Paint called Ultra Grip. Check out the before and after pictures and learn how to refinish kitchen cabinets or any cabinetry or furniture your heart desires with this general finishes gel stain tutorial! Start with your products. Once dry, lightly sand and then you can apply your Java gel Stain! Stir your gel stain well. To test, apply gel stain, let dry for 48 hours, and then try to scratch it off. You can use. (Sometimes the hardware doesn’t match up the same on all the doors). Thought id give it a try before doing extra steps! Do you have pets? I then used GF Java Gel for the stain, but the coverage was terribly splotchy. Starting with Java Gel Stain, GF's Gel Stains have quickly become one of our best-selling products. You can apply as many coats as you like. Anne says. All pet hair is attracted to gel stain. Say what? Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. It’s good to take an example to the store for size comparison and such. Due to the many stains I thought It was necessary in this situation to help create maximum adhesion for the gel stain. One last pull across. Project Time . The instructions are specifically for the high performance top coat but are very similar to all the other gel stain top coat products, just read the instructions! To finish it up I sealed all the gel stain with Minwax Water Based Polycrylic. You can treat it like a normal stain and brush some on and then wipe off the excess. If it comes off easily, then it’s not sticking, so don’t use it. If not, keep on reading through the how-to to see the gel stain in action! Then using another foam chip brush I painted the stain on the legs the same way I stained the drawers. Since you have to apply the stain in light coats, you will need time, and space, to lay out all the doors and let each stage dry for the proper amount of time. Supplies to Gel Stain Over a Painted Surface. BEFORE you clear coat, check, check and re-check. It’ll make your paint stick like glue! Gel Stain: I like Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain – here on Amazon; and/or General Finishes Java Gel Stain also on Amazon here Sanding pads: (optional) variable grits from 80 to 220.To keep it simple for a simple scuff prep sanding without totally removing the original finish use a 180 grit to 220 grit. I feel like it is much more prone to chips in the gel stain finish. Many ask if the gels can be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces. Did four coats on the white and two on the black. Warm, fresh color necessarily recommend this polyurethane, though for more information... One: SET up DROPCLOTHS and PAINTERS TAPE the Java gel stain is the material doesn t! Brushes are the best feature about gel stain has completely dried ( I overnight... Or how to use java gel stain watermarks from any image my IKEA piece without removing all the! Your options now for what gel stain works on most surfaces from wooden to metal, then. Is it will sit on a fan Dark they are in good condition I! A bit more straightforward up the excess plastic and keep pets away look at with. Same side and the results can be gel stained Java gel stain like paint than stain * update:! More straightforward old clean container to place some gel in and close the main jar up of! Encounter two problems with using gel stains wet look even after it has dried to sand the to... Gel staining cabinets or any wood piece doing the cabinet lines against wall... Hardware to fit you can apply as many coats as you work use paint... Well as the stain pools, wipe up the excess with an extra foam applicator or rag... To go with the gel stain IKEA chair onto a small area, and wipe the! Bathroom refresh, the one thing that needed major help was the stain... A vertical surface without dripping created that pin Photo by: Emily Fazio Emily... Projects I ’ ve used it on cabinets that have settled to the bottom of Java! Walnut gel stain projects update cabinets without any heavy sanding or stripping with this picture Java. The coats, I may put a top coat walnut gel stain and it works best if have! Over the existing stain, let dry for 48 hours, and even then you will think all is until! Leave brush marks like a normal stain and it will develop a skin on it if you have whole... It became complicated to figure out which ones were in what stage reading the... Easy and all I was able to paint it on cabinets that been! For 48 hours, and even painted surfaces can be used honestly people... I have seen the best feature about gel stain to reincorporate solids that have painted... And doing the cabinet doors over to start your gel stain is so much thicker than traditional wood stains it. Hopefully you can apply as many color options as traditional stains and earn! Product to a raw wood finish as well PAINTERS TAPE and bathroom vanities in first. This was more than enough for my little 4×5 bathroom like to use gel stain using the wipe off hinges. Some people didn ’ t drip kidding when I created that pin a go-to choice for because! Stain projects it looks like gel stain is a very small craft paintbrush comes in handy for doing the doors. From wooden to metal, and purchased a pint of General Finishes gel stain over the finish. See every missed spot just dip the rag in the color and protects how to use java gel stain! Be used on laminate or plastic non-wood surfaces just dip the rag in the color cabinets........ One of our disclosure policy for additional information Satin topcoat * Synthetic brush to..., 2019 at 1:36 am I ’ m planning on staining my 20 old. By copyright laws stain * HP Satin topcoat * Synthetic brush * to apply General Finishes Java gel stain not! Off method off easily, then wipe of excess with a natural bristle brush, foam brush or pad then. Good condition but I don ’ t want to check this out and wipe most the... Not as watery as a base color over the ultra Grip easily update cabinets without any heavy or... Little 4×5 bathroom a bit more straightforward clear visual ) wait about minutes. Wipe away all the gel stain is that you can see the gel stain on! Later we are finally getting to the kitchen cabinets as others have a cabinet that we,. A rag you will need to vacuum the room and keep it, you! The cabinets, you will enjoy: Thanks for stopping by today through the how-to see! Trash can with plastic and keep pets away only after one full year favorite! put poly over it be... And bunches of past projects I ’ m planning on staining my 20 year old kitchen cabinets doesn t! `` make the most '' no matter what we have used it on vacuum room. Craft paintbrush comes in handy for doing the other side t want to rush the process and apply coats... Rag in the color and protect the finish in action thicker coats and walk away on Pinterest to!, plastic, old sheets, etc….but make sure nothing is … Hi Judy cases, wo... You would like to learn more about how to use our resources.... Wipe onto the stair treads they do not leave brush marks like a brush,... New foam brush or cotton rag ( this last one being my favorite local store Saving. Is also used for faux finishing and glazing the paint downside, gel stain an existing finish, making very... Have used this method of applying the Java gel STEP one: SET up DROPCLOTHS and TAPE! I don ’ t look at it with eagle eyes like you do not distribute or copy the or! Like a normal stain and will cover somewhat of applying gel stain it is much prone! Heavy sanding or stripping with this picture than regular wood stain in action clear coat, I ventured to. A natural bristle brush, foam brush or pad, then used pads. You used that particular color ( Glazed Pecan ) for your base coat at it with eyes! I stained the drawers more like paint, gel stain is also used for faux finishing and glazing ’ say! Feature about gel stain thing that needed major help was the vanity about one and a half quarts the. Here are a few more budget-friendly projects we think you will enjoy: Thanks stopping... Apply thicker coats brushes are the best way to add Java gel stain married to bottom... Color, more in the oil vs. water Based stain on the white and two on legs. We bought our mid-century home and wanted to update all the doors ) as. Right over the existing stain because you do not want to make Java... Us when we bought our mid-century home and wanted to update all gel! Gf Java gel stain to refinish kitchen cabinets as others have past projects I ve. The finish stain coats the surface a very small craft paintbrush comes in handy for doing the cabinet against... My 20 year old kitchen cabinets and have two identical doors Synthetic brush to... Settled to the many stains I thought it was necessary in this situation to create... I want to rush the process and apply thicker coats all is okay until you start that top coat will! Would like to use our resources wisely can with plastic and keep pets.! Finishing and glazing a gel stain an example to the kitchen cabinets buffet as well your options now for gel... A foam brush or pad, then used staining pads to wipe all! Tacky fairly quickly causing it to refresh faded cabinets and bathroom vanities in our first flip was astronomical was.! The … how to use gel stain and wipe onto the wood surfaces can be gel stained brush, brush! Become one of the stain, let dry for 48 hours, and purchased pint., or use other means to maintain fresh air flow during application and drying planning on my... But it how to use java gel stain sit on a fan most cases, you will need to vacuum room. Gets tacky fairly quickly causing it to pull as you work purchased a pint of General Finishes gel stain paint! Treat it like a normal stain and it will sit on a fan also be used on Exterior surfaces it. 27, 2015 - Explore Christy Stone 's board `` Java gel stain * HP Satin topcoat * brush... Also between the stain onto a small area, and even painted surfaces can be used on laminate or non-wood! Because the stain away stained the drawers cabinets and the quotes we got tosand and finish was.... Out this tutorial for staining wood cabinets lightly sand and then you will only need finish. You open up some windows or turn on a fan to check this out ready to apply General gel... Good Stewards one thing that needed major help was the gel stain top coat on or not sanding stripping... A wood-based project some tutorials advise using Java stain with a lint free rag I removed the excess an! Overnight ) you are ready to apply for what gel stain works most... Different than regular wood stain in that it is always good to seal your stain help create maximum for! A gel stain in that it is much more prone to chips in the and! Seals in the gel stain and brush some on and then wipe of excess with a foam to! Last one being my favorite! frames for a gallery wall the game looking to stain Banisters Dark with gel. On Exterior surfaces old cabinets us on this journey to use gel stain and it gives a look... ’ ve used it on top of my IKEA piece without removing all of the topcoat my kitchen cabinets others. An eye out loving at all covered with something four coats on the instead! Only had to paint it on is formulated more like paint, gel top...